The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

Chapter 4 - Signs & Symbols 231
of the lion as a symbol may be derived from the Mithraic cult: "The reference to
the 'Lion' and the 'Grip of the Lion's Paw' in the Master Mason's degree have a
strong Mithraic tinge and may easily have originated from this cult." 667 However,
as is stated in The Master Mason in an article on animals in Freemasonry, this
comparison led many Masonic researchers on a wrong path, making them
confuse their Craft with astronomy:
It was only natural that as many resemblances between Freemasonry
and Mithraism were found, and Mithraism itself was based on
astronomical symbolism, so many writers have tried to find astronomy
in Masonry. Thus the twelve fellowcrafts are likened to the twelve signs
of the zodiac, and we learn that there was an ancient Egyptian
inscription showing a lion seizing a man by the wrist, lying in front of
the altar, as if dead. Near the altar stands a man with his left arm
elevated in the form of a square. 668
While there is no doubt that there is much astronomy in Masonry, yet
I think that the attempt to connect the lion with the sign Leo is a
failure. 669
As a symbol of royalty, the lion is depicted throughout history, e.g. the three
lions on the royal standard of England 670 , the red rampant lion as the Scottish
royal symbol, and the blue lion on a yellow field on the royal coat of arms of
Hanover. Freemasonry uses the lion as a symbol in different degrees. The most
important instance is obviously a certain grip referring to the lion (called the
"Lion's Paw"), with which the candidate of the Third Degree is raised. Thus, in
Craft Masonry the common attributes of the lion, strength and royalty, give way
to the doctrine of resurrection. The lion also plays a role in the Royal Arch
chapter, which makes use of the four banners of Judah, Ephraim, Reuben, and
Dan (their symbols respectively being the lion, the ox, the man, and the eagle).
Furthermore, Craft Masonry adopted one of King Solomon's titles as given in the
bible, "Lion of the Tribe of Judah," a metaphor also used to denote Christ 671 :
Revelation 5:5 reads: "Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root
of David, hath prevailed to open the Book, and to loose the Seven Seals
therof." I Samuel 17:37 uses the expression: "paw of the lion." The Lion
of the Tribe of Judah is supposed to mean Christ and the allusion is said
to refer to the doctrine of resurrection. [...] There is no doubt that some
symbolism about the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and Grip of the Lion's
Paw was worked into the Temple or Hiramic Legend, but by whom or
667 Ibid.
668 See following illustration.
669 Newton (ed.), The Master Mason, March 1925, "Animals and Plants in Freemasonry," p. 199.
670 There were three lions on the royal standard of England because William the Conqueror had one
for Normandy and one for Maine, Henry II adding another one when he secured Aquitaine and
Guienne.
671 Newton (ed.), The Master Mason, p. 198.